Wouldn’t Beef Producers like to: Predict Marbling scores? Maximize Profits? Increase the quality of Beef? Promote beef? Increase palatability of beef?
Their Solution:
Key Words Marbling- intramuscular fat Palatability-the property of being acceptable to the mouth
Why the USDA The Choice-Select spread is: $9.35 Maximize Profits Improve palatability Improve Meat Quality Improve export values Prime Assurance Ultrasound?
Facts supporting the cause In 2003 (source: USDA): Pounds of beef : 690,460,000,000 Pounds of beef export: Choice-Select Spread: $9.35
Audience Targeted The technology will be commercially available to feedlot producers, live cattle buyers, and slaughter facilities.
General Description Marbling – intramuscular fat Can somewhat control marbling through Maturity Selective breeding Impossible to predict
General Description Our product predicts marbling in beef Handheld scanner Uses ultrasound waves LCD screed (high definition color)
The technology itself Producers scan the loin Ultrasound image of marbling Image sent to online meat index Compared to top quality meat
The technology itself Producer can then decide animal’s fate Slaughtered now or retained in feedlot CAB (Certified Angus Beef) Sold 93.2 million pounds last year Value: approx. $200,000,000 Allows producer to sell at top price
Visual Demonstration
Promotion Complimentary machines given to select plants Trial time period of free use Print advertisement Web design
Impacting Agriculture Beef Quality Increase in export trade Palatability Consistency of product Beef promotion Maximize profits
Cost $1500 per machine Introductory promotion
Summary New technology introduced for: Maximizing Profits Beef Quality Palatability
Summary The technology: Scanner Image on LCD Screen Determination of fate